Sewing Room Supplies

If you are equipping a new sewing room or restocking after several projects, here are some items that come in handy and will prevent (or at least minimize) those frantic dashes to the sewing store. Not shown in the list, but important, is the sewing machine itself.

Supplies

Needles.

Dull, worn, or damaged needles will ruin your project and could damage your sewing machine. Keep several spares handy for the material used most. A selection of needle sizes is valuable when varying material thicknesses are used.

Thread.

Old thread can break and cause problems as it becomes dry and brittle. Use a marker to show the purchase month & year on the top (or bottom) of the spool. Keep thread types (cotton, rayon, polyester, silk) separate to avoid mixing them together. Inexpensive thread has lint and isn't spun consistently.

Fabric.

Keep those fabric scraps for testing purposes. Use a see-through, resealable plastic bag to keep them organized.

Interfacing.

This adds stiffness and structure to collars and other parts of the project, as needed.

Bobbins.

Extra bobbins will prevent thread waste when changing colors. Never double-up colors on a bobbin. Save the old threaded bobbin for next time and wind a new one with the new color.

Unwaxed Dental Floss.

Used for cleaning lint out of tension discs on the sewing machine. Pearl cotton also works.

Notions.

Straight pins, magnetic pin cushion, safety pins.

Sewing Journal.

Use a blank book as a place to sketch ideas for future projects and to keep information about finished projects, machine adjustments and care, fabric swatches, and sources of supply. Makes for a great portfolio!

Tools

Magnifying Glass.

This item makes it easy to inspect seam quality as well as parts of the sewing machine that are subject to wear and damage.

Measuring Devices.

Accurate measurements make for a better project. Using either a cloth or flexible plastic tape measure works well. A regular ruler, see-through ruler, yardstick, and seam gauge will all come in handy. Put a stick-on ruler on the sewing table for quick material checks.

Scissors.

Several styles (straight, pinking, thread snips, dressmaker shears) used only for sewing projects provides the best results. Use them only for sewing projects for best quality and longest life! Keep an inexpensive pair for use only on paper.

Seam Ripper.

This tool makes it easy to correct mistakes, if they should they occur. When it becomes dull, throw it away and get a new one. Seam rippers cannot be sharpened.

Marking Device.

A variety of marking devices is important. Water soluble, air soluble, chalk pencil, chalk wedge, chalk wheels, and tailors chalk all come in handy.

Magnet.

When pins or needles drop on the carpet, use the magnet to retrieve them. A magnetic pincushion is ideal.

Screwdriver Set.

Keep track of the screwdrivers that came with the machine. They are handy for tightening loose screws. Resist the temptation to adjust screws requiring a six-sided hex key driver since that adjustment is intended for the service department.

Soft Brush.

A brush such as a narrow paint brush is very handy when cleaning the machine of lint and dust. A brush is better than a can of compressed air which can blow debris further into the recesses of the machine. Do not use a can of compressed air!

Flashlight.

Good for looking into dark corners of the sewing machine. A small penlight style flashlight is ideal.

Towa^TM Bobbin Case Tension Gauge (optional).

This is a hand-held gauge that is used to verify metal bobbin case tension, making tension control and adjustment easier and faster.

Furniture

Sewing Table.

Not only does this provide sturdy support for your machine, but it can also provide storage for all of the accessories.

Sewing Chair.

It’s easier to concentrate on the task when sitting on a firm, solid chair designed for sewing. Some models even have a fold-up cushion for additional storage.

Full Length Mirror.

A mirror is an excellent way to gauge the overall impact of a project, whether seen up close or at a distance.

Storage

Supply Caddy.

This versatile item unfolds to provide easy access to a lot of sewing supplies. It’s also portable, perfect for those get-togethers and club meetings.

Storage Chest.

Shelves on wheels makes it easy to store bulky items and large quantities of fabric. The top also provides an extra flat surface. There are never enough flat surfaces.

See-Through Containers

Searches go faster when you can glance at a container instead of opening it.

Thread Rack.

Not needed right away since a cigar box or supply caddy works well. As the amount of thread grows, a thread rack will make it easy to arrange spools (and wound bobbins!) by color and material.

Tall Bank of Shallow Drawers

Clear windows on the front will make organizing and searching quick and efficient.

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